East Devon District Council's former conservative leader, Ian Thomas, has been re-elected despite resigning from the Conservative Party just days before the election.

Results from East Devon District Council elections are being released as counts take place this afternoon at Blackdown House in Honiton and at Exmouth Town Hall.

There are 28 electoral wards up for election and 57 seats are being contested.

Councillor Ian Thomas, standing as an independent in the Trinity seat, beat Labour Party candidate Sarah Birnie by 386 votes. Councillor Thomas received 635 votes while Sarah Birnie received 249 votes. Turnout was 43%.

In the Tale Valley seat Conservative Philip Skinner fought off competition from the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party to retain his seat. Councillor Skinner received 436 votes while the Liberal Democrat candidate, Mike Gray, received 378 votes. Turnout was 42%.

The Beer and Branscombe seat was contested by Independent Geoff Pook and the Labour Party's John Gregory. Geoff Pook took the seat with 601 votes to John Gregory's 106. Turnout was 33%.

Conservative Party candidate Iain Chubb has won the Newbridges seat after receiving 617 votes, while his opposition, Labour's George Neate, received 216 votes.

Two of East Devon District Council's 30 electoral wards were uncontested – Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh ward (two seats) and Clyst Valley ward (one seat) – which means that three of the council's 60 seats, have been returned unopposed.